Be A Watershed Steward Program

Camp Kawartha, in partnership with Otonabee Conservation is proud to present “Be a Watershed Steward: A Program for Elementary & High School Students“.

We would like to thank our generous donors who helped make this program possible.

How the program works:

In Phase One of the Be A Watershed Steward program, students visit the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre and participate in a watershed stewardship program. As part of their visit, students will take a tour of the unique sustainable features showcased by the Environment Centre – one of Canada’s most sustainable buildings.

During Phase Two students put knowledge into action. Led by talented Otonabee Conservation educators, students work to enhance habitat, naturalize shorelines or establish pollinator gardens in their own school yards and nearby green spaces. By creating more pollinator friendly spaces in our region, and naturalizing shorelines and green spaces, students help to enhance the integrity of the uplands and improve water quality. A healthy watershed means an abundant cover of native plants that provide habitat, filter run-off and increase biodiversity. As part of this program, students will also be assisting in the important work of creating pollinator pathways for our community. One third of all our crops depend on insect pollinators – as do many of our native plants and wildlife. Students may also participate in the Yellow Fish Road Storm Drain Marking Program, raising awareness about watershed health.

Information collected during these activities will be used to support Citizen Science Programs including the Ontario Turtle Tally, or Nature Watch. Upon successfully completing both programs, students receive a “Be a Watershed Steward” certificate.

Call Camp Kawartha for more details or to make a booking: 705-652-3860

Program Descriptions

Please note:We are currently redeveloping some of our programming. We will be updating existing programs and introducing new programs in the upcoming months. Listed below are our up to date program offerings. If there is a topic that you do not see listed below but are interested in exploring please contact us. We are happy to work with you to create a day specifically geared to you and what your students are learning in the classroom.

Aquatic Biodiversity (Grades 4 – 6)

Discover the fascinating underwater world of tiny living things that we rarely see. Using dip nets and hand lenses discover macroinvertebrates like mayfly and damselfly nymphs. Students are trained in proper collection techniques and they obtain samples of a variety of aquatic invertebrates. Students learn how to use a dichotomous key to identify these fascinating creatures, as well as to relate the presence/absence of certain indicator species to overall water quality.
* We suggest that students wear or bring rubber boots to participate in this program.

Discover the fascinating underwater world of tiny living things that we rarely see. Using dip nets and hand lenses discover macroinvertebrates like mayfly and damselfly nymphs. Students are trained in proper collection techniques and they obtain samples of a variety of aquatic invertebrates. Students learn how to use a dichotomous key to identify these fascinating creatures, as well as to relate the presence/absence of certain indicator species to overall water quality.
* We suggest that students wear or bring rubber boots to participate in this program.

The Liquid of Life – Protecting our Water Quality (Grades 7 – 12)

A clear jar of water held up to the sun may look pure but is it? Human activity has impacted water quality around the world. In this program, students assess water quality in and around the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre, testing for parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrates, and phosphates.
* We suggest that students wear or bring rubber boots to participate in this program.

Wandering Watersheds (Grades K – 4)

Who knows what you’ll discover when the water recedes? Exploring the evolution of our local watersheds, students will look for insects and traces of animal life with nets and magnifiers as well as listen for the many wetland birds that inhabit the area. They will participate in a variety of water related activities and games reflecting the importance of these ever changing ecosystems. Watersheds provide unparalleled opportunities for students to indulge their natural curiosity, all under the guidance of the experienced Environment Centre Staff.
* We suggest that students wear or bring rubber boots to participate in this program.

Water Conservation Pentathlon (Grades 4 – 12)

Engaging student’s natural urge to compete, this program is both active and educational. Students participate in water themed activities based on principles of conservation. Winners protect their precious source water by avoiding pollution and applying conservation strategies and sustainable technologies. All students come to understand how valuable and vulnerable our fresh water supply really is. They also leave with practical ideas on how to preserve and protect this precious resource.

Wetland Wonders (Grades K – 4)

Please note: Program is dependent on the fluctuating water levels of our local watershed. Alternative programming available during drier seasons (see Watershed Steward: Wandering Watersheds).

Wetlands are vibrant ecosystems, among the most rich and diverse of all natural habitats. Using nets and magnifiers, students catch water bugs and discover some of the amazing adaptations of aquatic invertebrates. Explore the magical world of frogs, dragonflies, whirligig beetles and many more! Wetlands provide unparalleled opportunities for students to indulge their natural curiosity, all under the guidance of the experienced Environment Centre Staff.
* We suggest that students wear or bring rubber boots to participate in this program.